2.9
Quality3.7
Difficulty25%
Would Retake99
Reviews25%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
27
4
15
3
14
2
16
1
27
What Students Say
“Hard but solid on everything”
HIS101 - 5.0 rating“Very straight shooter and an Author of numerous books”
HIST206 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
62%
Textbook Required
25%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
C+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.09 avg changeRatings by Course
HIS262490398
5.0
(1)HIST577
5.0
(1)HIST216
5.0
(1)HIST101
5.0
(1)HIS303
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
HST250
5.0
HISTORIOGRPAHY
5.0
HIST274
5.0
HIS149
5.0
HIS14805
5.0
Reviews (99)
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Hard class, good teacher
Must read 200 pages per week and write 2-3 pages about it. Plus 10 paper due at end of term. Very heavy work load!!
Boring guy. I could think of plenty of things to do with my time than listen to this guy ramble on and read from the notes that he's had since his first year at the universtiy.
Really smart teacher, knows his stuff...possibly one of the smartest teachers at the university. HIS 101 was a real easy class, he always assigns alot of reading but if you pay attention, and do the reading you'll do fine. He's a real nice guy
Most lectures but he knows his stuff. Recommend
Fairly easy grader. Not much work involved except reading and taking notes. Reading is not even needed for the exam. Just take good notes and study them. Class consists of 100% lecturing. I recommend him.
lots and lots of reading. he makes u do short papers but i never read one sentence from a book but still wrote the papers from reports ont he book online. got a C even though i skipped half the classes. tests arent bad but i hated the class.
Very good history teacher when talking about American History from before Revoltionary War until the Civil War. If you are not a fan of history you will find his lectures boring. If you do like history he is a great teacher.
really unhelpful and not clear at all. had some issues but got dealt with. wouldn't recommend this guy.
boringgg cant teach.... to dull knowledgeable,, but kills it with his boringness..
Really knows his stuff. A little boring at times but if you pay attention you will know everything you need to know for tests. Great guy.
Boring. Talks in almost one tone. Awful. Talks way too much. To much is based on the readings. Tests are all essay and you must have done the readings.
he has a super dry sense of humor, i have no idea why people think he is dull, anyone who can crack a joke about James Madison is ok in my book.
i personally feel that the professor has a lot to learn about teaching. while in his classes he was very longwinded and not very clear on what he wanted in class. i also unfortunately, have him as an advisor and he is even more unhelpful as that. i went to hom to find out what classes i need edto take to get closer to graduate and he blew me off
This professor SUCKS! It's so boring... the papers are so hard cause he doesn't tell you what he wants in them... and particpation is 50%.. thats ridiculious!!!
talks so fast u cannot follow anything, tests are never on books just lectures...make sure you do the extra credit paper, its the only reason i passed
Not the most interesting class in the world, but definately fairly easy. There are 3 tests, each one is 4 essay questions and you pick 2 of them to answer. As long as you go to class, take notes, and read the books, you should have no problem getting an A. The tests are only to make sure that you have mastered the concepts.
outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable and knows how to break down history so students see both individual episodes/actors and larger themes.
extremely boring, but not to difficult. suppposed to read 4 books, 2 for midterm, 2 for final but i didnt read any and got a B on midterm. tests are short essays, easy and fair grader. not a fun class to sit through, but not difficult
His views are a little odd, don't trust his interpretations on law and history without double checking. He has a very pro-states rights viewpoint and seems to think everything from the Civil War to Immigration is caused by the existence of the supreme court and the feds. Long winded too.
Very smart guy, also very funny although at first glance you wouldn't think so. Only buy the Sources book for the Constitution class - and bring it every day! 40% of grade is class participation so make sure you talk and are able to back up your answers with textual evidence. There's alot of stuff to learn but work hard and he'll reward you.
Very clear, interesting approach to a great topic!
interesting teacher to say the least. he can be extremely funny at times :) although its difficult to follow the lectures, the exams aren't so bad. listen to his lectures and take good notes and you should be fine
I had him for American Perspectives. Here's how the class works -- you show up, he rambles for about 50 minutes about history everyone has learned in middle/highschool. He gives two midterms and a final exam. If you're having any difficulty, he'll probably tell you to drop the class. He's negative so be prepared for lack of support.
Extremely smart guy. Wrote "The Politically Correct Guide to the Constitution." Heavy use of source material for my Constitution class and Southern History class with him. 40% of your grade is class participation. So as long as you make somewhat an effort to stay up to date in the reading and speak at least once a class you will do fine.
I must admit that his lectures are long, dull and boring, and taking 4 pages of notes during EVERY class is excruciating, but he does offer extra help if you need it. It's up to you to know your stuff for the exams. He does seem unfair with the "no makeup dates" for exams, because sometimes things come up, but overall he is a good guy who tries.
Fun class, he's laid back, it's up to you if you wanna pass , he's just here to teach!
One of the best teachers I have ever had. You show up, he talks, you leave, you take two tests on what he said, it comes down to how well can you listen and repeat a story, Great guy as well,very smart, serious author. He likes Taco Bell.
Can be tough if you don't keep up with the reading but always wanting to discuss what the class read (or was supposed to read...). Made it relevant to today. Knows what he is talking about, no BS here. Really intelligent yet has a sense of humor as well!
Had him for Senior Sem. After living in fear all semester I saw what a reasonable guy he was. As long as you do your best and turn in a decent assignment he can't find fault with you.
The biggest problem I had with Gutzman is that I was afraid of saying something wrong and having him kill me over it. Definitely intimidating. However I went to his office and talked to him outside of class, once I got used to him I found out that he is a great normal guy.
the guy can talk, but he knows what he is talking about. heavy use of the text. if you fall behind, you are pretty much done. very approachable and loves to talk after class.
I could not stand this professor. I asked for his help, just to see what I should be reading countless times, each of which he shot me down and made me feel helpless. I would never recommend his class.
Pretty much the funniest professor I've had so far. Makes class interesting and definitly knows what he's talking about.
He's the man. He's one of the smartest professors you will ever have. Had him for HIS 148, and his grading system was amazing.4 small books to read for the semester, mid term=50% covering 2 books, final=50% covering the other 2 books. easy short essay questions. I went to class less than half the time, seriously. no attendance policy......got an A.
I took Dr. Gutzman's class as a freshman because it was required. Although he lectures every class, if you pay attention then you will do well! We had a lot of heavy readings (which I only SKIMMED/half read), and his exams are fair. He helps prepare for exams, and material is half lecture and half readings. Luckily you can pick which half to do.
This guy is the man. He really knows his stuff and is really interesting. I would not mind taking another of his classes.
He really knows his stuff. If you attend all of his lectures and take decent notes that's about 1/4 of what you need for the midterm and final. For each test, you get two books to read and as long as you know basically what happens(book reviews do help)you'll do fine. Wasn't hard at all, and he is pretty entertaining!
This class was a great introduction to early American history. Gutzman is sharp, knowledgeable, and fair. Very helpful, if you ask.
NGreat class! Gutzman knows his stuff, and the material is interesting for history majors or not.
Lots of reading in Jefferson'swritings. Great prof to lead class--author of books on Jefferson.
Online is the way to go. Read the text and make a few comments. Two papers that aren't hard. Great prof.
I took Gutzman's class because it was required for my major. It was pretty simple. Just go to lectures, take a map quiz, take a midterm, take a final. There are four short books assigned. Gutzman helps prepare for the tests. Pretty funny. No nonsense. Smart guy, easy to talk to.
Kevin Gutzman knows his material, he is very intelligent. His lectures are long and can be boring but if you enjoy history you will like what he has to say. He is very clear in his lectures and is well respected. He is really fair and you will find his class easy if you go to it. I would take a class with him again.
This professor really is someone to admire, and to appreciate. Learning from someone like this with so much knowledge and wisdom while still being a people person is really a blessing; Just a bonus that he is pretty much the only teacher in the History department that isn't a liberal. Very straight shooter and an Author of numerous books!
Be prepared to listen to a lecture every class. Long and boring. Pretty straight-forward though. 4 books to read, midterm and final. No homework other than to read. It helps to read books, but not necessary.
I thought he was a good professor and had a funny personality but I struggled to catch up with the reading. I wasn't supposed to take this class but nothing else fit in my schedule. You get quizzed on the reading but there's no other assignments besides midterm and final. Exams are based on notes and reading so don't skip.
He changed his course around completely and it was difficult. I am quite intelligent, but I found myself so confused in this class. You would come into class anxious because he gave quizzes for chapters, but he did not clarify which ones to read, even when you asked... The 2 exams were simple but I took 42 pages of notes to study for them..
Be sure to come to class prepared to listen to him talk, the entire time. He does not provide an actual course syllabus to keep up with the class. He will assign readings, and one question pop quizzes almost every class. His test are very small and only contain short answer or essay questions.
He talks the entire lecture and expects you to take good notes. You read alot for homework and for the 2 tests you take, your notes are useless. If you read and memorize the textbook you should be fine. The lectures are long and its a lot of information thrown at you and you have interest in history to be not get bored. Long and boring class.
He was a nice guy, but expected a lot from us. Almost every week we had a 1 question quiz on the reading. Personally, I think he was a tough grader on them. Those quizzes, the midterm and final were the only grades. Although, he did give an extra credit paper, but it involves reading a book. Also, he talks a lot so prepare to take notes and read.
Talks at students all class and not to students. Does not give any worksheets or good notes. Expects you to know everything that he knows.
He talks a lot so get ready to write. If you do not like history, you will probably fall asleep. You have weekly quizzes on chapter readings. Other than that, the only other grades were the midterm and final. To be honest, the midterm was very straight forward. Decent, but probably would not take him again.
Hard but solid on everything. Infallible.
If I could redo anything it would be taking his class. Made one of my favorite periods of history (American History) and accomplished every imaginable way to make it boring. Was disinterested in completing his work or even holding basic conversations with him. Would never ever take him, so many other interesting professors at westconn, AVOID
If he offers the optional paper, do it. It will improve your grade and it is very simple. He talks a lot he presents information clearly.
He explained that 1/3 of his class "answered a major question wrong" on midterm paper. He still would not consider changing the grade after I defended my paper THREE times. Does not help you succeed either. Emailed a simple yes or no question about a paper worth 40% of grade. He said he would not give me an answer. What kind of professor does that?
Relatively easy class but Dr. Gutzman is condescending and full of himself. The class discussions were painful because the discussion matters towards the essay tests (2 or 3 for the course - and that's all the assignments) however, discussing anything with Dr. Gutzman is like talking to a wall. He also likes to argue about things he doesn't know.
Although a really intelligent guy, his classes are awful. He rambles on, doesn't write any notes on the board, and most people in his classes have no idea whats going on. He just grades based on pop quizzes that are 1 question and his midterm and final are hard. No study guide given.
There are quizzes very fruequently, the class moves fast and covers a lot of information.
Professor Gutzman is one of the most intelligent people I've met in my entire life. He will not hand out A's; you need to work for it. I highly recommend him. I took War in Cinema; in this class you watch films created during wartime periods and write essays (The Green Beret, Saving Private Ryan, Bridge on the River Kwai, Black Hawk Down, etc).
Super nice & approachable professor who wants you to pass. He is accessible to help outside of class, definitely take advantage of this if you are unsure of anything. Do the extra credit paper & the draft even if youre doing well. His class isnt the easiest but again ask for help and do the extra credit! Do the readings he gives pop quizzes!
Great guy. Gives pop quizzes, which if you didnt do the reading are hard. Do the extra credit draft and paper. He is accessible in his office hours. If you are struggle or have any questions, he is more than willing to help. Overall, this historical time period is boring, but I did learn a substantial amount of information.
He was ok, but unfair grading for papers. The midterms and finals were tough.
He likes to put challenging questions on tests/exams.
The worst professor I have taken at WCSU. There were 2 essays which was 40% of your grade and he is a very tough grader. If you ask for a extra credits to improve your grade, he would say no right way. Does not care about students . Lots of reading!
I could not keep my head up in this class first off. His tests are very difficult he's not clear about what questions he will ask. The papers are graded harshly. If you fail, you fail. And that always SUCKS.
Dr. Gutzman is an amazing prof. He DOES make you work for your grade. He offers an optional extra credit paper in most of his classes. Do this paper!!! He gives pop quizzes on the readings. He WILL NOT hold your hand throughout class. Read the book & discuss the readings in class. Follow along because he does not tell you specifically what to read.
I had him as a history teacher for my freshman year. He was a big lecture guy and talked fast so you had to write notes fast. You need to definitely be a fan of history to take his class, he rarely uses a board to write information down. He never prepared us for the final of midterm. He was also a tough grader. I overall would not recommend him.
Gutzman is a great Professor. He is passionate about what he teaches and really cares about students understanding the information. This is a lecture class- he talks the entire time. Sometimes boring, but hes a nice, funny guy who keeps it interesting. Graded only from 2 essays and 2 exams, a good amount of studying is required.
he talks very fast but if you record him talking it makes it easy. he makes it very clear what is important and what may be on the test. he doesn't have much that goes into the grade book. he can be very entertaining. very accessible and helpful. he was able to help me with finding books for an essay I was written in another course
Would never take this class again, I showed up everyday and still failed his class, all he does is lecture and go on and on, if you cannot learn through lecture then do no bother with this professor. He does not use power point or visuals only words. All test are based off of the notes you rush to write. Good luck.
Professor Gutzman is one of the hardest professors I've had you have to read two thick books and write a paper on what you think of the book. Oh and if he doesn't like your opinion be prepared to fail your midterm paper. I am not joking. Its lectures and readings. You are only graded on your paper and test.
Gives you a clear criteria and grades fairly. Lecture heavy though.
Granted online classes have been hard to manage, but professor Gutzman rarely responded to my emails and gave limited to no feedback on anything I submitted. I would never expect this from someone who seems so knowledgeable about history and should be excited to teach. Truly a dissapointment and waste of my effort. Would never recommend.
Would never want him as a professor again. He is a tough grader. He doesn't care about his students. He gave me three midterms, which is ridiculous, and I put my all into all three and he wasn't satisfied with 2 of them. I'm not even a C+ student. Overall, I highly would not recommend him. Whatever you do, DO NOT take him, drop that class!
Professor is very vague on the papers, offers no feed back, doesn't use blackboard at all, bland and overall not student friendly.
Mediocre professor, ok personality and he is very interested in history. Every class is a lecture exactly one hour an 10 minutes long. Must take notes as he talks and the only homework is reading a textbook chapter a week. Pop quiz one question each week. Will fail if you have a bad memory, no matter if you take notes or not. Very hard class topass
The class was extremely difficult to do well in. There were about 2-3 quizzes every week based off of the 40-50 page chapters we had to read by every class. Talks a lot. Doesnt go into depth with anything and talks pretty fast. He is very nice and can be funny but doesnt always sympathize with you. Overall would never take again.
This professor was just SO AWFUL, and made going to class feel physically painful. You're only graded on the two tests you take (the midterm and final), as well as the two opinion papers that you have to write. Note-taking for this class is stressful, and he never uses powerpoints. If you do take this class DONT have him as a professor.
I literally made an account just so I can rate this guy. I saw someone else say he made class so awful and physically painful to attend and I couldn't have said it better myself. He makes the class and exams so unnecessarily hard, he doesn't use a power-point or any form of slides or notes so trying to take notes is extremely hard and stressful
He provided little guidance when it came to 3 assignments each worth a large amount of your total grade. He does not provide notes and expects you to take notes strictly from his fast-paced lectures, and often uses large words making it difficult to understand what exactly is happening, especially when discussing complex topics.
I think this professor is as old as the subject he teaches. He never uses blackboard including grade posting. All his lectures are too fast paced to take notes properly and he grades based off of one book report and the midterm and final WHICH ARE ALL OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS.
He is so biased in what he teaches and taught entirely wrong subjects due to his own interest in politics and the men of the time period. He focuses on Jefferson and Madison and their RELATIONSHIP as opposed to the actual history that went on at the time. It was genuinely comical and frustrating. He is the only professor at WCSU I will be avoiding.
He seems like a very nice guy, but is an awful professor. He doesn't use blackboard and offers very few assignments, so it is hard to boost your grade. All he did was lecture, and not use any form of presentation while doing so, and gave little to no clues as to what was on the exams. Avoid if you can.
He clearly loved talking about history, he's incredibly passionate for it. If you want to do well in his class you HAVE to take notes, he talks and doesn't stop, he might write some key words on the board but there's no presentations or anything provided. You're only graded on three things, the Midterm, Final, and a paper based on a book you read.
Mr Gutzman is a great lecturer, He knows how to properly articulate important points.
The actual content of this class is not hard to understand, but Professor Gutzman talks fast and makes it more confusing than it has to be. TAKE NOTES. Even though they are not helpful at all for the two tests. No guidance, impossible to study for them. Overall, please avoid. I can assume this course is 1000x easier with a better prof.
If you value your sanity and/or GPA DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS
He is a nice guy and easy to talk to but his class is unbearable. Writes little to nothing on the board so you are to take notes strictly on what he is saying. Midterm and Final are all open ended questions and are limited to 50 minutes for completion. There are no assignments other than a mandatory paper on a book of GW.
Your grade depends entirely on two tests and two papers and that's it. Moreover, he spends the whole time lecturing with no slides or writing or anything so there's no way to know what he wants you to write down. Lastly, he is very conservative and he is not very careful to not let this influence his lessons, it is incredibly obvious.
Do not take this class if you enjoy being happy. he is the worst prof I have ever had. he doesn't post anything on blackboard and your entire class grade depends on the two test he has in the year which are impossible to study for because he rarely ever writes anything on the board, so you have no idea what to take notes on. please fire this man.
Would not recommend to anyone who values their mental well-being. Tough grader with an unclear grading scale and vague, opinion based exams that you will fail if your opinion is not identical to his.
Professor Gutzman is by far the worst professor I've had at WCSU. I gave him my midterm twice and he lost it both times. He only writes the topics on the whiteboard so notes are really crucial for his class. The lectures are very intense. I'm scared for the freshman who are going to have him for the 2025-26 school year. DON'T RECOMMEND AT ALL.
Don't take this class if you value your happiness and sanity. Your midterm and final grades entirely depend on two papers, each worth 40% of your grade. He will not say what topics will be on the exams, so you need to study hard. Professor Gutzman does not use blackboard or powerpoints either, so you really have no clue what to take notes on.
I would pray to be saved before every class because this class almost killed me. If you value your sanity don't take it with him
Professor Gutzman is very knowledgeable on the subject, but the way the class is conducted is not good at all. Blackboard remains empty the entire semester and he does not use presentations. You NEED to take good notes. He will not tell you what is on the exams so study really hard. I usually love history, but hated it throughout his class. Avoid.
I thought he was going to be impatient and strict. He's not that, he's passionate about the course material, he's pleasant, respectful to his students and intelligent. It is a hard course, attendance isn't technically necessary but anything he says in class may be on the exams. If you like learning about history you'll like his class.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
62%
Textbook Required
25%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
C+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.09 avg changeRatings by Course
HIS262490398
5.0
(1)HIST577
5.0
(1)HIST216
5.0
(1)HIST101
5.0
(1)HIS303
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
HST250
5.0
HISTORIOGRPAHY
5.0
HIST274
5.0
HIS149
5.0
HIS14805
5.0